Mr Ramgoolam, leading a high power delegation from the island nation, was given a warm welcome at the Patna Airport where he was received by among others Chief minister Nitish Kumar, his Deputy Sushil Kumar Modi and several other dignitories.

From the airport the Mautitius Prime Minister was driven straight to the Raj Bhavan in a motorcade.

According to his latest itinerary, during the day Mr Ramgoolam would first unveil the statue of his late father and the former President of Mauritius Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam at a popular tri-junction near the city's famous Gandhi Maidan.

Later he would attend a public felicitation programme, visit the historical Khuda Bakhsh Oriental library and attend a cultural programme at night.

From there Mr Ramgoolam would go to his ancestral village Harigaon in Bhojpur district to spend about two hours among the villagers. He would also take part in a public reception organised in his honour by the state government in the village itself.

Before leaving for New Delhi on February 20 Mr Ramgoolam would also visit Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir and Bodh Gaya to see the historical sites there.

Before leaving, he is scheduled to address a the media at Gaya along with the Chief minister.